Fly from Savusavu back to Nadi International flight home
Urban Sketchers’ workshop with Erin Hill: October 4 -11, 2025
per person
Finding beauty in the everyday through sketching.
Savusavu, known as Fiji’s “hidden paradise,” offers a unique blend of lush landscapes, coastal charm, and vibrant local culture—a perfect setting for an urban sketching retreat. The itinerary focuses on mornings for sketching, leaving afternoons open for relaxation, local exploration, or spontaneous adventures.
From Aus$2650 - Price includes:
- Daily outings with Erin Hill showing you the nooks and crannies of the area
- Accommodation – choose from our bures at the front (Ocean View bures), or at the back (standard rooms)
- Meals : breakfast, lunch and dinner – a mix of local Fijian and Indian food and international recipes
- Excursions: snorkel on the fabulous coral reefs, bathe in glorious waterfall, revel in the abundant nature of the landscape and experience the rich Fijian culture.
You just need to buy your air ticket and art materials, and leave the rest to us.
Urban Sketching week
And in case you haven’t ever come across Urban Sketchers…
It’s a global organization dedicated to encouraging on-location plein air sketching.
All levels are welcome. People sketch in whatever way they like and it’s free to join.
There are over 300 chapters worldwide of likeminded sketchers who enjoy the camaraderie of meeting regularly to explore new sketching venues and gathering at the end of the session to enjoy each others company, compare notes, admire each others sketches and give helpful feedback.
Groups often organise workshops, retreats and tours led by experienced sketchers for members to enhance their skill levels and learn new techniques all while fostering the joy of Urban Sketching.
The week’s schedule
Saturday: Arrival and Orientation
- Arrive in Savusavu and check into your accommodation. Some people will arrive in the morning and some in the afternoon so take it easy, have a swim, maybe walk down to the sea in front of the resort to sketch a palm tree. Then we’ll all meet at 5.30 for a casual meet up and cocktail, and Erin will run you through plans for the week. At 6.30 there’s a formal Fijian kava welcome ceremony (and there is NO expectation for you to drink kava if you don’t want to), followed by dinner at 7.00.
Sunday: Savusavu Bay Waterfront
- Morning Sketching (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM):
- Location: Savusavu town. Savusavu is a jumble of old and new, with several charming old buildings in between the modern shops. Sunday is a far less busy day and many shops are closed, but this gives you a chance to sketch them without vehicles blocking your view.
- Afternoon: Relax, enjoy some pool time at Daku Resort.
Monday: Savusavu Harbour
- Morning Sketching (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM):
- We’ll go down into the Copra Shed complex and consider the harbour views – Nawi Island Marina across the water, the yachts on their moorings, the Yacht club docks, and the scenic view of the bay framed by lush green hills. Focus on the architecture of the Copra Shed building, which has been converted into restaurants and shops but still retains its historical charm.
- Afternoon: A local craftswoman will show you the process of making and decorating traditional Fijian masi (bark cloth).
- Then there’s a free afternoon to relax or carry on sketching.
- You may also decide to have a wonderful massage which is out of this world!
Tuesday: Market and Town Center
Morning Sketching (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM):
- Location: Savusavu Municipal Market
- Description: Sketch the bustling market scene with vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and handmade goods. Capture the vibrant colors, textures, and the lively atmosphere. Return to Daku Resort for lunch.
- Afternoon: At 4.00 we leave the resort to go to visit a local village. You will be shown around the village and then treated to a thrilling traditional meke dance before returning to the resort for dinner.
Wednesday: People Action
Morning Sketching (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM):
- Location: Downtown by the river
- Description: There is a lot going on along the river pathway with small shops, taxis coming and going, buses departing and some great people sketching opportunities.
- Stay in town to have lunch: we suggest you go to the Planter’s Club which has a pleasant deck, decent cheap food and offers a bit of Savusavu’s colonial history (and is worth a sketch).
- Afternoon: Relax. Snorkel outside the resort or take a boat trip to the reef (own expense).
Thursday: Out and about around Savusavu
- Morning Sketching (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM):
- Location: Copra Mill, Urata Lookout Cafe, Vuadomo Waterfall
- Description: This is a busy day of quick sketches of a number of fascinating places: the working copra mill outside Savusavu where coconut flesh is extracted and processed; the iconic Urata Lookout cafe with its commanding views of Savusavu Bay; and finally, Vuadomo waterfall where you can plunge into the cool refreshing torrent.
- Afternoon: Relax and catch up on some of your sketches. In the evening we’ll go down to the Copra Shed for a drink at the Yacht Club ad stay on for dinner at the Captain’s Table (own expense).
Friday: Palm fringed beaches
- Morning Sketching and lunch (9:00 AM – 2.30 PM ):
- Location: SigaSiga Sands
- Description: We’ll drive 20 minutes down to coast to a beach with all the tropical scenery you’d expect in the South Pacific – a long sandy beach fringed with coconut palms, and old tavola trees with knotty roots at the far end. We’ll take a picnic lunch and you can enjoy a swim in the Blue Lagoon as well.
- Afternoon: Relax, finish off your sketches. In the evening we’ll have our final dinner and gather around to review what we’ve achieved during the week.
Saturday: Breakfast and departure.
Any questions? Drop us a line.
OR BOOK NOW! Prices per person
You can choose from the following accommodation options:
REAR BURE Standard room – Twin Share AUD $2650
REAR BURE Standard room, Single AUD $3100
Traveling with non-participating partner (rear bure), AUD $1650 – total for you ($2650) and your friend AUD$4300
FRONT BURE: Twin Share Room , AUD $3050
FRONT BURE: Single Room , AUD $3500
Traveling with non-participating partner (Ocean View bure), AUD $1950 Total for you (A$3050) and your friend: AUD$5000
Please indicate your choice on the booking form in the comments section. We will invoice you for the balance of payments three months before the course.
We ask for a $400 non-refundable deposit to secure your place. If the course does not go ahead and we cancel for any reason, we will refund it in full.
Teacher Erin Hill
Sketching is my passion. I’ve sketched all my life. From my background as Art Director in major Ad Agencies, graphic design, fine art and illustration, I’ve pared down the essentials to create my own Erin Hill Travel Sketching System – but that’s only what I use, and other urban sketchers have their own approaches.
And amongst the many places I’ve visited, Sketching at Daku Resort Fiji is a truly enchanting experience that captures hearts and artistic spirits.
The resort’s relaxed atmosphere sets the perfect stage for creativity to flow effortlessly. The smiling and caring staff embrace all guests with warmth, making them feel not just like guests, but cherished members of their extended family.
The fond memories I’ve sketched on paper are as vivid as the Fijian sunsets, and it’s precisely this unique blend of tranquility, camaraderie, and artistic inspiration, plus the amazing variety of the food that ensures I’ll eagerly return to Daku Resort for more sketching adventures – and hope you’ll come with me to explore all it offers.
Our location : Savusavu, Fiji
During this week, you’ll enjoy the rich culture and unspoilt nature of Fiji, the place where happiness comes naturally. We’re in Savusavu in Fiji’s North – known as the Hidden Paradise because it really is! We’ll take you out to snorkel on the beautiful coral reefs, to plunge into fresh waterfalls, to visit traditional Fijian villages where you’ll see a deeply hospitable corner of Fiji.
We’ve got a full programme planned – with some spare time to just relax.
Our accommodation: Daku Resort
We’re located at Daku Resort near Savusavu in Fiji. It’s a small and comfortable resort: you can choose from Ocean View bures, or standard room rear bures.
Ocean View bure
Standard room – rear bure
Summary & Pricing
Dates: October 12 – 19, 2024
Teacher: Erin Hill
Title: Urban Sketching
Content: Urban travel Sketching in pen, watercolours or watercolour pencil.
Programme: Daily morning workshops of 3 hours
Suitability: All levels
Excursions and extras: Visit to waterfall, beach picnic, village visit
Food: Three meals a day; Fijian, Indian and International menu EXCEPT one dinner out and one lunch out.
Itinerary: Arrive Savusavu Saturday. Course starts Sunday morning, ends Friday evening. Depart Savusavu next day – Saturday morning.
What To Bring
Urban Sketchers will have all their own materials and need no guidance on this.
However, if you happen to be new to urban sketching, here are some suggestions:
Erin Hill Sketch Kit : Approx AU$140
Do check this link for more info on items and optional extras. You’ll need a water pot with attached lid, and pocket tissues.
https://erinhillsketching.com/travel-sketching-kit/
- A5 sized ringbound Sketchbook 110gsm -160gsm
- Set of black waterproof drawing pens.
- Set of 12 Watercolour (Aquarelle) Pencils.
Staedtler Noris Club because it has the colour yellow ochre. Most do not.
- Barrell Sharpener
- Waterbrush we use with the aquarelle pencils
- White Chinagraph pencil. Resists watercolour.
- Cotman’s Pocket Plus Watercolour Set
Our customised kit is available online & contains the correct colours.
What To Bring
Here’s materials you’ll need to bring.
Erin Hill Sketch Kit : Approx AU$140
Do check this link for more info on items and optional extras. You’ll need a water pot with attached lid, and pocket tissues.
https://erinhillsketching.com/travel-sketching-kit/
- A5 sized ringbound Sketchbook 110gsm -160gsm
- Set of black waterproof drawing pens.
- Set of 12 Watercolour (Aquarelle) Pencils.
Staedtler Noris Club because it has the colour yellow ochre. Most do not.
- Barrell Sharpener
- Waterbrush we use with the aquarelle pencils
- White Chinagraph pencil. Resists watercolour.
- Cotman’s Pocket Plus Watercolour Set
Our customised kit is available online & contains the correct colours.
Additional Adventures
What to do in your free time.
We’ve arranged a number of excursions as part of the course (see Programme tab on the menu bar above). We also offer a range of other activities inside and outside of Daku Resort (please note that unless they are part of the programme, some activities, such as massages and those requiring equipment hire, may have additional costs).
More Information
-
Departure
Daku Resort, Fiji -
Included
AccommodationAll Workshop FeesDining & MealsLectures & ExcursionsTransfers from Savusavu Airport -
Not Included
Alcoholic BeveragesEquipment & SuppliesFlights/TravelNon-Course ActivitiesTravel Insurance
From Our Gallery
Pictures from previous courses.
Come and fill your sketch book with special memories of unforgettable experiences.
1
Saturday
- Arrival and OrientationArrive in Savusavu and check into your accommodation. Some people will arrive in the morning and some in the afternoon so take it easy, have a swim, maybe walk down to the sea in front of the resort to sketch a palm tree. Then we’ll all meet at 5.30 for a casual meet up and cocktail, and Erin will run you through plans for the week. At 6.30 there’s a formal Fijian kava welcome ceremony (and there is NO expectation for you to drink kava if you don’t want to), followed by dinner at 7.00.
2
Sunday
- Savusavu Bay Waterfront
- Morning Sketching (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM):
- Location: Savusavu town. Savusavu is a jumble of old and new, with several charming old buildings in between the modern shops. Sunday is a far less busy day and many shops are closed, but this gives you a chance to sketch them without vehicles blocking your view.
- 1.00 Lunch at Daku Resort
- Afternoon: Relax, enjoy some pool time at Daku Resort
- 7.00 Dinner at Daku Resort
3
Monday
- Savusavu Harbour
- Morning Sketching (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM):
- We’ll go down into the Copra Shed and consider the harbour views – Nawi Island Marina across the water, the yachts on their moorings, the Yacht club docks, and the scenic view of the bay framed by lush green hills. Focus on the architecture of the Copra Shed building, which has been converted into restaurants and shops but still retains its historical charm.
- 1.00 Lunch at Daku Resort
- 1.30 Afternoon: A local craftswoman will show you the process of making and decorating traditional Fijian masi (bark cloth).
- Then there’s a free afternoon to relax or carry on sketching.
- 7.00 Dinner at Daku Resort
4
Tuesday
- Market and Town Center
- Morning Sketching (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
- Location: Savusavu Municipal Marke
- Description: Sketch the bustling market scene with vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and handmade goods. Capture the vibrant colors, textures, and the lively atmosphere. Return to Daku Resort for lunch.
- Afternoon: At 4.00 we leave the resort to go to visit a local village. You will be shown around the village and then treated to a thrilling traditional meke dance before returning to the resort for dinner.
- 7.00 Dinner at Daku Resort
5
Wednesday
Hot Springs and Local Architecture
- Morning Sketching (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
- Location: Savusavu Hot Springs
- Description: Sketch the famous geothermal hot springs. You can focus on both the natural steam and the bubbling springs where locals sometimes come to cook food in the boiling water (definitely not suitable for a dip). Walk up the road to look at the old wooden buildings in the little residential cul-de-sac, or walk in the other direction to see if metal sculptor Shane Bower is in his workshop this morning.
- Stay in town to have lunch: we suggest you go to the Planter’s Club which has a pleasant deck, decent cheap food and offers a bit of Savusavu’s colonial history (and is worth a sketch).
- Afternoon: Relax. Snorkel outside the resort or take a boat trip to the reef (own expense).
- 7.00 Dinner
6
Thursday
Out and about around Savusavu
- Morning Sketching (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
- Location: Copra Mill, Urata Lookout Cafe, Vuadomo Waterfall
- Description: This is a busy day of quick sketches of a number of fascinating places: the working copra mill outside Savusavu where coconut flesh is exctarcted and processed; the iconic Urata Lookout cafe with its commanding views of Savusavu Bay; and finally, Vuadomo waterfall where you can plunge into the cool refreshing torrent.
- 1.00 Lunch at Daku Resort
- Afternoon: Relax and catch up on some of your sketches.
- In the evening we’ll go down to the Copra Shed for a drink at the Yacht Club and stay on for dinner at the Captain’s Table (own expense).
7
Friday
Palm fringed beaches
- Morning Sketching and lunch (9:00 AM – 2.30 PM )
- Location: SigSiga Sands
- Description: We’ll drive 20 minutes down to coast to a beach with all the tropical scenery you’d expect in the South Pacific – a long sandy beach fringed with coconut palms, and old tavola trees with knotty roots at the far end. We’ll take a picnic lunch and you can enjoy a swim in the Blue Lagoon as well.
- Afternoon: Relax, finish off your sketches. In the evening we’ll have our final dinner and gather around to review what we’ve achieved during the week.
- 6.30 Farewell ceremony
- 7.00 Dinner
8
Saturday
Tour Location
Daku Resort, Fiji
Paradise Courses is hosted at Daku Resort, which is in Savusavu, Fiji.